Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Post-Op. Should I have these symptoms?

Did you have a spinal fusion ?

I don't know how my original post here got so disjointed and off-subject. Many reply postings here have nothing to do with my original posting regarding my post-op recovery from having my L-3-4-5 spinal fusion. This I find very concerning. Why aren't people responding to what I had to say in my original posting here?

Yes. Fusion in 2017. Supposedly to fix sponylithesis . Not sure there actually was any of that. The fusion did nothing to help my pain at that time.

I’m a nurse too, and life is different being on this side. I’ve been a nurse for 27 years, and these newer nurses are just new, to put it nicely. And you said it, emotions, mood, anxiety , I’m 8 weeks post op, body feels just weak. I guess just take it one day at a time. I often think about work, but…

I’m 8 weeks post op laminectomy with fusion. Frustrated, debilitating, sore, weak all over. Just want to get past these feelings.

I felt all of that except the foot drop, try miralax for the constipation.

I hope you've met with a doctor and gotten some relief from your pain. I had a traumatic accident from horse back riding which resulted in extensive emergency surgery (fusion T12-L4.) With really good physical therapy (and keeping up the exercises) I've been able to remain active, although not at my previous competitive level. I use a variety of self-care techniques to supplement the PT. I have found that not all physical therapists are skilled with back issues. You need someone who recognizes that it is tied very closely to the nervous system and works slowly to avoid exacerbating the problem. Much more slowly than rehab of a knee for example.

Hope this helps - sending you best wishes!

Fusion surgery is difficult even for people who are strong and fit at the time of the surgery. Hopefully you are able to gently exercise - small, short walks - that you gradually increase over time. I had T12-L4 after an accident and found that walking several times daily was the key to getting stronger and tamping down the pain. I had to wait until 12 weeks to do PT, but once you start it, you will begin to feel much better. Be sure to find a PT specifically skilled and trained on backs - backs are very sensitive and a PT needs to not push too fast or it will backfire.

Surgeons do not do a good job of preparing people for what they are going to feel post-surgery. In the past, we were given opioids and not told much about how to care for ourselves. Sleep, healthy food, daily gentle exercise and patience with yourself and situation will help.

Thanks for your response. You were fortunate to find that PT can help your symptoms. I have met with several pain docs over the past two years. One is "managing" my pain pump. The other one was a default doc who took over when the original guy left and turned me over to this guy. He tried a SCS trial which did not work due to excessive scar tissue. I have begged and pleaded for some fresh ideas but to no avail. I just started physical therapy to try and derail some of this excruciating pain. After three sessions, it seems to only cause my pain to ramp up even worse. I don't know if that was your experience, but I don't know if I should continue. Experiencing a new level of pain is no fun. But, if the old saying is true, "no pain, no gain", then, perhaps, I am gaining something besides pain. If I could have some assurance that continuing would yield some benefit, I would definitely forge ahead. Your thoughts?

Miralax has certainly helped my constipation from Tramadol. Even at that, sometimes I have to "help" things along with a glycerin suppository.